Oval Tavern, Croydon  

This is quite a find, hidden away in a residential street just outside the centre of Croydon. The proprietors clearly enjoy running it, and express their character through an array of posters which range from Dudley Moore and Peter Cook through to Simon Patterson's 'The Great Bear' (you know, George Bush is West Ruislip, Paul Gascoigne is West Hampstead, Eric the Red is Dagenham East). There's a monthly blues night, a DJ booth, and the odd pool competition too. To judge by the soundtrack on our visit, we guess that relatively obscure jazz and blues probably come in for a spin here. The stained wooden frames and relatively subdued lighting probably don't favour anything significantly more strenuous or aggressive. There's also a fine and grassy beer garden. A bit hidden away, but worth seeking out.

reviewed:
19/03/2005

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

beer garden

pool table

live music

darts

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